Facts About Depression and Its Treatment

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These pages describe the importance of reaching remission — and the approaches to treatment that can help you get there.

Depression is a serious medical condition that affects approximately 12 million U.S. adults. Depression is described by the American Psychiatric Association as a "mood disorder," and one of the most common symptoms is a constant feeling of sadness.

Depression can make you lose interest in the things you love or drain you of your normal level of energy. It can affect your appetite and your sleeping habits — and create feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. These feelings may make you feel as though you will never be free from your symptoms — and don't even have the energy to try.

Fortunately, depression is treatable. You can work with your doctor to find a treatment option that may work well for you. The first goal of treatment is remission — full relief from symptoms. Once you achieve remission, the goal is to sustain it.